Two Indian-Born Candidates Face Off in Washington’s 7th Congressional District Race

Democratic incumbent Pramila Jayapal faces Republican challenger Nirav Sheth in Washington’s 7th Congressional District 2026 midterm race.

The district has long favored Democrats as Jayapal seeks a sixth term in the U.S. House.

Jayapal, born in India, came to the U.S. at age 16 and was elected in 2016 as the first South Asian American woman in the House.

Sheth was also born in India, moved to the U.S. in 2008, served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and worked in law enforcement as a police officer.

Firstpost reported the matchup between the two candidates.

For Indian American voters in Washington’s 7th Congressional District, the race presents two India-born candidates running on opposing party tickets in a historically Democratic seat.